In this study, it is first attempted to evaluate the performance of Ni-P-PTFE material (manufactured through electroless deposition process) on water lubrication system. In addition, the overall performance of water lubrication produced by the coupling of hydrophilic and hydrophobic materials under higher load condition is also investigated. It shows that the friction coefficient and wear are strongly related to the wettability of coupling material. Ni-P-PTFE material can provide stronger property together with the hydrophobic/hydrophilic consideration; it enables us to decrease the wear loss. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.